Industrial sand mining strategic analysis

The Department of Natural Resources has prepared a strategic analysis [PDF] to reassess the latest scientific, natural resource, and socioeconomic information relating to industrial sand mining and its associated infrastructure in Wisconsin.

The strategic analysis updates information provided in a 2012 DNR document entitled, Silica Sand Mining in Wisconsin [PDF]. The report was intended to be a dynamic document and updated as new, significant information became available.

Public Review

Public comments on the strategic analysis were received by the department from July 5 to August 22, 2016. The department also held a hearing on July 26, 2016. Sixty people attended the hearing and 22 individuals spoke on the record. The department also received 50 comments on email and by letter. Thanks to all who reviewed the strategic analysis, all who attended the hearing, and all who provided comments!

The comments [PDF] are redacted to protect the contact information of private individuals.

All public comments will be considered as the DNR prepares the final analysis.

Strategic analysis process

The purpose of the analysis is to inform future discussions and decisions.

Strategic analysis follows these general steps.

Scoping - defining the topics and information sources to be considered and the analytical methods to be employed. This step includes public input.

Information gathering and analysis.

Document preparation.

Public review - at least 45 days will be allotted for public review of the analysis, and a hearing may be held.

Comment response - the department will consider all comments received, and may revise the analysis if warranted. &lt we are here

The final version of the analysis document and all comments and supporting information will be made available to the public and press, universities, the governor and legislature, and state, local, federal and tribal agencies.

Industrial sand mining

Sandstone formations

Silica sand or silicon dioxide (SiO2), also referred to as quartz, has been mined for thousands of years and has many uses, from paving roads to filtering drinking water. Sand used in the petroleum industry has been produced in Wisconsin for over 40 years. In recent years, however, the demand for industrial sand has increased exponentially. This growth in industrial sand mining can be attributed to the oil and gas extraction technique known as hydraulic fracturing which relies on silica sand.

While there is no hydraulic fracturing occurring in Wisconsin, the state has areas which contain high-quality silica sands which are mined for use in hydraulic fracturing outside of the state.

More information and locations of sand mines in Wisconsin

For maps and other information on industrial sand mining operations and regulations go to Industrial sand mining.

Public feedback

In 2014 the DNR invited the public to participate in helping us to determine the scope of the analysis. We provided an online input form and accepted emails and letters. This public review period ended on April 20, 2014. The DNR received over 800 responses from the public via letters, emails and the online form. We have reviewed this information and incorporated the public input into the strategic analysis.

Here’s a brief summary of the feedback the DNR received from the public during the public scoping review period. We received 860 online forms of which 340 included general concerns about industrial sand mining, and 384 provided more specific concerns in the topics we provided. The other 136 forms did not provide comments but included names and/or email addresses. We also received 41 emails and 16 written responses. Midwest Environmental Associates held three public meetings and submitted written comments from those meetings to the DNR. We also received data and reports about the industry from several other sources. All the scoping input received by DNR is available at the links below.

Public comments on the strategic analysis were received by the department from July 5 to August 22, 2016. The department also held a hearing on July 26, 2016. Sixty people attended the hearing and 22 individuals spoke on the record. Audio transcripts of the hearing are available at the links below.